FG Drops Mathematics As Admission Requirement For Arts Students

The Federal Government has announced a major policy change in admission requirements for Nigerian secondary school students, declaring that mathematics will no longer be compulsory for candidates seeking admission into arts and humanities programs.

The announcement was made on Tuesday by the Federal Ministry of Education, which stated that the new rule applies to all tertiary institutions, including universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and Innovation Enterprise Academies. The ministry said the revised National Guidelines for Entry Requirements into Nigerian Tertiary Institutions were created to make admissions more flexible while maintaining quality and academic standards.

Under the new system, students applying for arts and humanities courses in universities will need a minimum of five credits in relevant subjects, including English Language, obtained in not more than two sittings. Mathematics remains mandatory only for students in science, technology, and social science fields.

For polytechnics, the ministry explained that non-science students at the National Diploma level will need four credit passes, including English Language, while mathematics will only be required for science-related courses. At the Higher National Diploma level, however, both English and mathematics remain compulsory.

In colleges of education, the new guideline requires four credits for admission, with English Language compulsory for arts and social science courses, and mathematics mandatory only for science, vocational, and technical programs.

The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, said the reform was introduced to expand access to higher education and eliminate unnecessary barriers faced by students. He explained that the policy is aimed at ensuring that entry requirements reflect the true needs of each field of study rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

Education experts have described the move as long overdue. An education analyst, Ayodamola Oluwatoyin, praised the new rule, saying it will open opportunities for more students who previously struggled to meet the mathematics requirement despite excelling in arts-related subjects.

The policy takes effect immediately and will guide future admissions across all accredited tertiary institutions in Nigeria.